Nine’

Members of National Pan-Hellenic Council share experiences

During the early 20th century, some students at historically Black colleges and universities established nine Greek life organizations. These sororities and fraternities make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or the “Divine Nine.” While each organization has unique values, members share the common goal of uplifting the Black community.

The University of Georgia currently is home to six chapters of the NPHC, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

The NPHC promotes the development of its members through various service projects, educational seminars and social activities. Its primary purpose continues to be community awareness and action. Many prominent alums have been a part of the NPHC, such as Dr. Hamilton Holmes, Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Mary Frances Early.

In 1969, Alpha Phi Alpha became the first member of the NPHC to establish a chapter at UGA. Over 50 years later, UGA commemorated all nine chapters of the NPHC with markers on the West Lawn of the Tate Student Center. On Jan. 13, members of Delta Sigma Theta celebrated their 110th national founding at Howard University.

The Red & Black asked members of NPHC sororities and fraternities about their experiences in the organizations and what they wished other students understood about NPHC. — Interviews and photographs by Carson Barrett

Siham Ahmed

Senior Major: Health promotion

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

“Joining Sigma Gamma Rho showed me that I could have a sisterhood here, and we’re just so unique and different. However, we all add our differences together and create something beautiful.”

Benn-Alpha Eno Junior

Major: Computer science Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

“NPHC organizations are lifetime commitments, so do your research [and] talk to each of our members because we all committed for a reason.”

Rankin Odister Sophomore

Major: Data science Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “My fraternity means a brotherhood, a scholarship, people striving for excellence … An Omega [Psi Phi] man is someone who strives for excellence, is a brother’s keeper, someone who is constantly raising the bar.”